Timekeeping device and satellite signal reception method for a timekeeping device

ABSTRACT

A timekeeping device has a reception unit that receives a satellite signal transmitted from a positioning information satellite, a time information generating unit that generates time information based on the received satellite signal, a time display unit that displays the time information, and a reception control unit that controls the reception unit. The reception control unit includes a signal condition detection unit that detects a signal condition of the received satellite signal, and a reception setting unit that sets the reception unit to a single satellite mode or a multi-satellite mode based on the detected signal condition.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of, and claims priority under 35U.S.C. §120 on, U.S. application Ser. No. 12/332,162, filed on Dec. 10,2008. This application also claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 onJapanese Patent application Nos. 2007-327093 and 2008-014848, filed Dec.19, 2007 and Jan. 25, 2008, respectively. The content of each suchrelated application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a timekeeping device and to a satellitesignal reception method for a timekeeping device that acquires thecurrent date and time by receiving radio signals transmitted frompositioning satellites such as GPS satellites.

2. Description of Related Art

The Global Positioning System (GPS) for determining the position of aGPS receiver uses GPS satellites that circle the Earth on known orbits,and each GPS satellite has an atomic clock on board. Each GPS satellitetherefore keeps the time (referred to below as the GPS time or satellitetime information) with extremely high precision.

A radio-controlled timepiece that adjusts the time using timeinformation (GPS time) from GPS satellites is taught, for example, inJapanese Unexamined Patent Appl. Pub. JP-A-H10-10251.

The signals (navigation message) from the GPS satellites are transmittedin frames and subframes synchronized to a Coarse Acquisition code (C/Acode) that is reset at the beginning of the week of the GPS time. If thenavigation message can be interpreted using this C/A code, the timepassed since the beginning of the week in GPS time can be known from thesignal from a single satellite, and the time can be set to a precisionof approximately 0.1 second.

More specifically, the GPS satellites orbit at an altitude ofapproximately 20,000-27,000 km. It therefore takes approximately 66.6-90ms for signals to travel from the GPS satellite to the GPS receiver. Bycorrecting for this transmission time, the time can be synchronized tothe Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) with error on the millisecondorder, and a timepiece with sufficient practical precision can beachieved.

The electronic timepiece taught in Japanese Unexamined Patent Appl. Pub.JP-A-H10-10251 is a timepiece such as a table clock or a wall clock thatis used in a fixed position, and assumes that signals from the GPSsatellite are also received at a fixed position. Furthermore, because aGPS satellite orbits the Earth once approximately every 12 hours, whichGPS satellites can be received at the present time can be determined andselectively captured by referencing the satellite history and orbitinformation from the last time satellite signals were received, and thesatellite signals can therefore be received quickly and reliably.

When the timepiece is worn by the user, such as a wristwatch, however,signals are received while the timepiece is being worn and therefore maybe moving, and signals may be received while indoors. Compared withtimepieces that are used in a fixed location, there is a greaterpossibility that satellite signal reception by timepieces that are wornwill be manually triggered by the user. It is therefore likely that thetime and location where a portable timepiece such as a wristwatchexecutes the satellite signal reception process will be different fromthe previous reception process, and the previous satellite signalreception history can therefore not be used effectively.

In addition, because the amount of memory that can be provided in aportable timepiece such as a wristwatch is limited, it can be difficultto store a sufficient reception history and orbit information for eachsatellite, and this further limits using the reception historyeffectively.

As a result, a wristwatch that can receive signals from GPS satellitesmust typically start the satellite search from a cold start condition,that is, a condition in which there is no locally stored satellite orbitinformation.

This means that the GPS receiver must search indiscriminately for a GPSsatellite in order to receive the time information. If the navigationdata (NAV data) can be decoded from the first GPS satellite captured inthis search process, the reception time can be shortened and powerconsumption can be reduced.

However, if the signal from the captured GPS satellite is weak, the userof the GPS receiver changes course, or the GPS satellite becomes hiddenby a tall building while the signal is being received and the GPSreceiver is moving, there is a strong possibility that signal receptionfrom the captured satellite will be interrupted. It then becomesnecessary to search for a GPS satellite again, thereby increasing thetotal reception time and increasing power consumption.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

A timekeeping device and a satellite signal reception method for atimekeeping device according to the present invention enable receivingsatellite signals in a short time, reducing power consumption, reducingthe effect of the reception environment, and increasing the probabilityof successful reception.

A first aspect of the invention is a timekeeping device having areception unit that receives a satellite signal transmitted from apositioning information satellite; a time information generating unitthat generates time information based on the satellite signal receivedby the reception unit; a time display unit that displays the timeinformation; and a reception control unit that controls the receptionunit. The reception control unit includes a signal condition detectionunit that detects the signal condition of the received satellite signal;and a reception (channel) setting unit that sets the reception unit to asingle satellite mode or a multi-satellite or multi-channel mode basedon the signal condition detected by the signal condition detection unit.Optionally, the reception unit sets the number of positioninginformation satellites that can be simultaneously captured and decodedto 1 when set to the single satellite mode, and sets the number ofpositioning information satellites that can be simultaneously capturedand decoded to more than 1 when set to the multi-channel mode.Additional features that may be implemented are described below.

When the reception unit captures a positioning information satellite,the reception channel setting unit sets the reception unit to a singlesatellite mode for capturing a single positioning information satelliteor a multi-channel mode for capturing a plurality of positioninginformation satellites. As a result, a satellite signal can be capturedin a short time, power consumption can be reduced, the effect of thereception environment can be reduced, and the probability of successfulsatellite signal reception can be improved.

More specifically, if the signal condition detected by the signalcondition detection unit is the signal strength (reception level), forexample, and the signal strength is high, the time information can bedecoded and acquired even if only one positioning information satelliteis captured in the single satellite mode. More particularly, if thereception environment is good and the signal strength is high in thesingle satellite mode, the time and week number information can beacquired in a short time and power consumption can be reduced. However,if only the single satellite mode is used, the probability of acquiringthe time and week number information drops even when the receptionenvironment deteriorates and the signal strength drops, the satellitesearch process and navigation data decoding process must therefore berepeated, the reception time thus increases, and power consumptionincreases.

If the reception process runs only in the multi-channel mode, powerconsumption increases compared with the single satellite mode when thereception environment is good. However, when the reception environmentis poor and the signal strength is weak, the probability of time andweek number information acquisition improves and the reception time isshorter than in the single satellite mode, and power consumption can bereduced.

Therefore, by selecting the single satellite mode or the multi-channelmode according to the signal condition, the invention can shorten theaverage reception time and reduce power consumption, and even when thereception environment deteriorates can increase the probability of beingable to acquire the time and week number information, reduce the effectof the reception environment, and improve the probability of successfulreception.

Preferably, the reception channel setting unit sets the reception unitto the single satellite mode at the start of reception and captures onepositioning information satellite, detects the signal condition of thepositioning information satellite captured in the single satellite modeby means of the signal condition detection unit, and then based on thedetected signal condition continues processing in the single satellitemode or switches from the single satellite mode to the multi-channelmode.

This aspect of the invention starts reception in the single satellitemode and then switches from the single satellite mode to themulti-channel mode based on the detected signal condition, and cantherefore continue with the satellite capture and signal decodingprocess in the single satellite mode if the signal condition is good.The time and week information can therefore be acquired in a short time,and power consumption can be reduced.

However, if the signal condition is not good, operation switches to themulti-channel mode to capture and decode signals from a plurality ofpositioning information satellites. The probability of being able toacquire the time and week number information can therefore be improved,the reception time can be shortened, and power consumption can bereduced.

In another aspect of the invention the reception channel count settingunit switches to the multi-channel mode if the signal strength of thecaptured positioning information satellite is less than a set thresholdlevel when the reception unit is set to the single satellite mode.

This aspect of the invention enables appropriately selecting the singlesatellite mode and the multi-channel mode because it switches from thesingle satellite mode to the multi-channel mode based on the strength ofthe signal received from the captured positioning information satellite.The probability of being able to acquire the time and week numberinformation can therefore be improved, the reception time can beshortened, and power consumption can be reduced.

In another aspect of the invention the reception channel count settingunit sets the reception channel count in the multi-channel mode based onthe signals strength of the captured positioning information satellite.

If the signal strength (reception level) is greater than or equal to−133 dBm, the single satellite mode is used for processing. However, ifthe reception level is −137 dBm to −133 dBm, the multi-channel mode isselected, the satellite capture count is set to half the number ofsatellites that can be captured simultaneously (for example, if an eightchannel reception unit that can simultaneously capture 8 satellites isused, the satellite capture count is set to half that or 4 satellites),and if the reception level is less than −137 dBm, the satellite capturecount is set to the maximum number of satellites that can be capturedsimultaneously (8 if an 8-channel reception unit is used).

Because the number of simultaneously captured satellites is set to asmaller number in the multi-channel mode when the signal strength isrelatively high in this aspect of the invention, power consumption canbe reduced accordingly. The probability of being able to decode thesatellite signal even though the number of captured satellites issmaller can also be increased because the signal strength is relativelyhigh.

However, because the number of simultaneously captured satellites isincreased in the multi-channel mode when the signal strength isrelatively weak, the probability of being able to decode the signal canbe increased, and the need to repeat the satellite search and signaldecoding process can be eliminated.

This aspect of the invention thus adjusts the number of receptionchannels used according to the signal strength, and can thereforeimprove the average probability of time and week number informationacquisition, shorten the reception time, and reduce power consumption.

Note that 1 mW equals 0 dBm, and −130 dBm=1×10-13 mW.

In another aspect of the invention the reception channel setting unitswitches to the multi-channel mode if the signal strength of thecaptured positioning information satellite is greater than or equal tothe set threshold level when the reception unit is set to the singlesatellite mode but the time information could not be decoded from thesatellite signal within a predetermined decoding time-out determinationtime.

This aspect of the invention determines if the decoding process hastimed out within the decoding time-out determination time when in thesingle satellite mode, and thus eliminates unnecessary processing. Morespecifically, when the timekeeping device is a device such as awristwatch that is worn by the user and thus moves around, the signalstrength may be high when the satellite is captured but the signalstrength may drop and the signal may not be decodable when the timeinformation is decoded because the captured satellite has become hiddenby a building. If the decoding process continues until a signal can bereceived from the captured satellite in this situation, powerconsumption increases and it may not be possible to acquire the timeinformation.

However, because this aspect of the invention switches to themulti-channel mode and continues processing if the decoding processtimes out in the single satellite mode, a different satellite can becaptured and the possibility of being able to acquire the timeinformation increases.

Therefore, the probability of being able to acquire the time and weeknumber information can be improved, the reception time can be shortened,and power consumption can be reduced.

Yet further preferably, the reception channel setting unit sets thedecoding time-out determination time according to the signal strength ofthe captured positioning information satellite.

With this aspect of the invention the decoding time-out determinationtime can be shortened in the single satellite mode when the signalstrength (reception level) is greater than −133 dBm, and the decodingtime-out determination time can be increased when the reception level is−137 dBm to −133 dBm.

The decoding time-out determination time can be further adjustedaccording to the type of time information acquired. For example, whenthe positioning information satellite is a GPS satellite, the timeinformation includes Z count data, which is the time passed since thebeginning of the week, and a week number value that identifies the week,and it is sufficient to receive the week number only once a week.Therefore, if only the Z count data is acquired and the decodingtime-out determination time may be set to 12 seconds to set a shortdecoding time-out determination time, and may be set to 24 seconds toset a long decoding time-out determination time, for example. If boththe Z count data and the week number are acquired, the decoding time-outdetermination time may be set to 60 seconds when set short and 120seconds when set long, for example.

Because this aspect of the invention sets the decoding time-outdetermination time according to the signal strength, whether thedecoding process has timed out can be determined more quickly andaccurately, continuing reception unnecessarily can be prevented, andpower consumption can be reduced.

In another aspect of the invention the reception channel setting unitswitches to the multi-channel mode if variation in the signal strengthexceeds a set range while decoding the satellite signal when thereception unit is set to the single satellite mode even if the signalstrength of the captured positioning information satellite is greaterthan or equal to the set threshold level.

This aspect of the invention determines if the variation in the signalstrength exceeds a predetermined range, and can therefore determine ifacquiring the time and week number information is difficult withoutwaiting for decoding to time out when, for example, the capturedpositioning information satellite becomes hidden by a building and thestrength of the received signal drops. The probability of being able toacquire the time and week number information can be improved in thissituation because operation switches to the multi-channel mode andprocessing continues.

In another aspect of the invention the satellite capture control unitsets the positioning information satellite capture frequency to aplurality of ranges and captures positioning information satellites ineach frequency range when the reception unit is set to the multi-channelmode.

If the positioning information satellites are captured in a plurality offrequency ranges, the reception unit can search for positioninginformation satellites at high, middle, and low elevation angles. As aresult, if access to the zenith is blocked by a roof, for example, thetime information may be acquired by capturing a positioning informationsatellite located at a lower elevation angle between the zenith and thehorizon. There are thus fewer limitations on the location from whichsatellite signals can be received, the probability of being able toreceive a signal can be improved, and power consumption can be reduced.

In addition, when the clock signal is offset, signals can be receivedfrom positioning information satellites at middle and high elevationangles instead of only from positioning information satellites at lowelevation angles, the probability of being able to capture a satelliteand acquire the time information can be improved, and power consumptioncan be reduced.

In another aspect of the invention the satellite capture control unitends the satellite capture process when the set number of positioninginformation satellites is captured or the signal strength of thecaptured positioning information satellite is greater than or equal tothe set threshold level when the reception unit is set to themulti-channel mode, and the decoding control unit causes decoding of thesatellite signal from the captured positioning information satelliteafter the satellite capture process ends.

This aspect of the invention ends the satellite capture process anddecodes the satellite signal when the set number of positioninginformation satellites are captured in the multi-channel mode, and cantherefore improve the probability of being able to decode the satellitesignal even if the signal strength of the captured satellite is lessthan or equal to the predetermined threshold level.

In addition, because the satellite capture process is terminated and thesatellite signal is decoded if the signal strength is greater than orequal to the threshold level but the number of captured positioninginformation satellites is less than the set number when in themulti-channel mode, the satellite signal can be decoded even if thesatellite capture count is low, the time and week number informationacquisition time can be shortened, and power consumption can be reduced.

In another aspect of the invention the satellite capture control unitexecutes the positioning information satellite capture process on eachreception channel when the reception unit is set to the multi-channelmode, the decoding control unit applies the decoding process to thesatellite signal from the captured positioning information satellite,and determines if time information was decoded and acquired, and thesatellite capture control unit ends the satellite capture process if thetime information is decoded and acquired on any reception channel.

This aspect of the invention ends the satellite capture process in themulti-channel mode when the time information is successfully decodedfrom the satellite signal received from the captured positioninginformation satellite, therefore does not need to capture the set numberof positioning information satellites, and can thus shorten the time andweek number information acquisition process time and thereby reducepower consumption.

A timekeeping device according to another aspect of the invention alsohas an internal time information generating unit that generates internaltime information, and a time information adjusting unit that adjusts theinternal time information. The time information adjusting unit adjuststhe internal time information based on the time information that isgenerated by the time information generating unit based on the satellitesignal received by the reception unit.

This aspect of the invention can receive the satellite signal in a shorttime, reduce power consumption, reduce the effect of the receptionenvironment, and improve the probability of successful reception.

A timekeeping device according to this aspect of the invention cantherefore set the correct time based on the satellite signal from thepositioning information satellite, can reduce power consumption,increase battery life, and thus enable using a smaller battery. Thisaspect of the invention is thus particularly well suited to portabletimepieces such as wristwatches and pocket watches.

Another aspect of the invention is a timekeeping device having areception unit that captures a positioning information satellite andreceives satellite signals transmitted from the captured positioninginformation satellite, a time information generating unit that generatestime information based on the satellite signal received by the receptionunit, a time display unit that displays time information, and areception control unit that controls the reception unit. The receptioncontrol unit includes an evaluation unit that evaluates the receptionenvironment of the timekeeping device before the reception processexecutes, and a search mode selection unit that selects a singlesatellite search mode or a plural satellite search mode based on theresult from the evaluation unit when the reception unit runs thereception process. The single satellite search mode is a mode forcapturing one positioning information satellite and acquiring timeinformation based on the satellite signal transmitted from the capturedpositioning information satellite, and the plural satellite search modeis a mode for capturing a plurality of positioning informationsatellites and acquiring time information based on the satellite signaltransmitted from one of the plural captured positioning informationsatellites.

The evaluation unit in this aspect of the invention evaluates thereception environment before the reception process executes, and selectsa single satellite search mode or a plural satellite search modeaccording to the detected reception environment. More particularly,instead of dynamically selecting the search mode based on the receptionresults while receiving a satellite signal, this aspect of the inventionstatically selects the search mode before reception begins.

If the reception starts and the search mode is selected dynamicallybased on the reception conditions, time is required after the receptionprocess starts to evaluate the reception conditions and select thesearch mode. However, because this aspect of the invention startsreception after selecting the search mode, the satellite signal can bereceived in a short time after reception starts and power consumptioncan be reduced.

In addition, because the search mode is selected based on the resultreturned by the evaluation unit, the effect of the reception environmentcan be reduced, the probability of successful reception can be improved,the reception time can be shortened, and power consumption can bereduced.

If the reception environment is good and the signal strength (receptionlevel) is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold level, thetime information can be decoded and acquired even if only onepositioning information satellite is captured in the single satellitesearch mode. More specifically, because it is sufficient to capture onlyone satellite to receive the satellite signal when the single satellitesearch mode is set, the time and week number information can be acquiredin a short time and power consumption can be reduced when the receptionenvironment is good and the signal strength is high. However, if thecorrect signal cannot be received by capturing one satellite anddecoding the received signal in the single satellite search mode, thereception process must be repeated to capture a different satellite anddecode the received signal. As a result, when the single satellitesearch mode is selected, the reception environment deteriorates, and thesignal strength drops, the probability of acquiring the time and weeknumber information also drops, the satellite search process andnavigation data decoding process repeat, the reception time thereforeincreases, and power consumption increases.

However, if the reception process runs only in the plural satellitesearch mode, power consumption increases compared with the singlesatellite search mode when the reception environment is good. However,when the reception environment is poor and the signal strength is weak,the probability of time and week number information acquisition improvesand the reception time is shorter than in the single satellite searchmode because the reception unit searches simultaneously for a pluralityof satellites and decodes the reception signals, and power consumptioncan therefore be reduced.

Therefore, by selecting the single satellite search mode or the pluralsatellite search mode based on the result of the evaluation unitevaluating the reception environment, this aspect of the invention canshorten the average reception time and reduce power consumption, andeven when the reception environment deteriorates can increase theprobability of being able to acquire the time and week numberinformation, reduce the effect of the reception environment, and improvethe probability of successful reception.

The timekeeping device according to another aspect of the invention alsohas a light measuring unit that measures the amount of lightilluminating the timekeeping device. The evaluation unit determines ifthe amount of light measured by the light measuring unit is greater thanor equal to a predetermined threshold level, and the search modeselection unit selects the single satellite search mode if theevaluation unit determines that the measured amount of light is greaterthan or equal to the predetermined threshold level, and selects theplural satellite search mode if the measured amount of light is lessthan the predetermined threshold level.

By having a light measuring unit, the timekeeping device according tothis aspect of the invention can easily determine if it is outdoors ornot. More specifically, when the timekeeping device is illuminated bysunlight, the timekeeping device is exposed to more light than when itis illuminated by indoor lighting. Therefore, by disposing a lightsensor, for example, to the timekeeping device and measuring the amountof light illuminating the timekeeping device, whether the timekeepingdevice is outdoors or not can be easily determined by setting thethreshold value used for evaluation to a value enabling determining ifthe measured amount of light indicates sunlight, that is, that thetimekeeping device is outdoors. In addition, because the receptionenvironment for receiving signals from a positioning informationsatellite is usually better when outdoors than when indoors, this aspectof the invention can easily determine before the reception processstarts whether the reception environment is good or not by measuring theamount of light.

This light measuring unit may use a light sensor that directly measuresthe amount of light, but may also use a solar cell that convertsincident light to electrical power. Because the power generated by asolar cell varies according to the amount of light incident to the solarcell, the amount of light can be indirectly measured by detecting howmuch power is generated by the solar cell. In addition, if the solarcell is also used as the light measuring unit, the number of parts andthe cost can be reduced compared with a configuration having a separatelight sensor.

The threshold value for measuring the amount of light may set, forexample, to a luminance level of 5000 lx (lux). More particularly, theluminance level will always be 5000 lx or greater when outdoors duringthe day whether it is sunny or cloudy, but the ambient light level whenindoors using fluorescent lighting is typically 1000 lx or less.Therefore, if the threshold value is set to approximately 5000 lx, theevaluation unit can determine that the timekeeping device is outdoors ifthe measured luminance is greater than or equal to the threshold value.

The timekeeping device according to another aspect of the invention alsohas a speed measuring unit that measures the speed of timekeeping devicemovement. The evaluation unit determines if the speed of movementmeasured by the speed measuring unit is less than or equal to apredetermined threshold level, and the search mode selection unitselects the single satellite search mode if the evaluation unitdetermines that the speed of movement is less than or equal to thepredetermined threshold level, and selects the plural satellite searchmode if the measured amount of light is greater than the predeterminedthreshold level.

Because it has a speed measuring unit, this aspect of the invention candetermine whether the timekeeping device is stationary or moving. If thetimekeeping device is moving, the position of the timekeeping devicerelative to the positioning information satellite may change and it maynot be possible to receive the satellite signal if, for example, abuilding comes between the timekeeping device and the capturedpositioning information satellite as the timekeeping device moves. Thereception environment is therefore possibly better when the timekeepingdevice is stationary than when it is moving, and whether the receptionenvironment is good or not can be easily determined before the receptionprocess starts by measuring the speed at which the timekeeping device ismoving.

An acceleration sensor, for example, may be used as the speed measuringunit.

The predetermined value (threshold value) of the speed that is evaluatedby the evaluation unit may be set to a value that enables determiningwhether the timekeeping device is stationary or not. For example, ifmovement is evaluated by measuring acceleration, the user is determinedto be walking if the maximum acceleration per unit time when the caseoscillates on two perpendicular axes is greater than or equal to athreshold value of 0.98 m/s² (0.1 G), and the timekeeping device isdetermined to be stationary if acceleration is less than this thresholdvalue. More specifically, when the timepiece is worn on the wrist andthe user is walking or jogging, the maximum acceleration of the case is4.9-9.8 m/s² (0.5-1.0 G). The evaluation unit can therefore determinewhether the timekeeping device is moving or is stationary based onwhether the measured maximum acceleration is greater than or equal tothis threshold value.

A timekeeping device according to another aspect of the invention alsohas a storage unit that stores orbit information for the positioninginformation satellites. The evaluation unit determines based on theorbit information stored in the storage unit if among the positioninginformation satellites that can be captured when the reception processis executed there is at least a predetermined number of positioninginformation satellites located at a high elevation angle greater than orequal to a predetermined angle, and the search mode selection unitselects the single satellite search mode if the evaluation unitdetermines that there is at least the predetermined number ofpositioning information satellites located at the high elevation angle,and selects the plural satellite search mode if there is fewer than thepredetermined number of satellites.

If orbit information for each of the positioning information satellitesis stored in the storage unit, whether there is a positioninginformation satellite located at a high elevation angle can bedetermined before reception starts.

When the timekeeping device receives a satellite signal from thepositioning information satellite, there is a strong possibility thatthe positioning information satellite may be obstructed by a building orother structure if the positioning information satellite is at a lowelevation angle. Therefore, the reception environment is better whencapturing a positioning information satellite near the zenith at a highelevation angle to the timekeeping device than when capturing apositioning information satellite at a low elevation angle.

Whether the reception environment is good or not can therefore be easilydetermined before reception starts by detecting based on the orbitinformation if there are a predetermined number of positioninginformation satellites located at a high elevation angle.

Whether a satellite is at a high elevation angle may be determined bysetting a 60° angle of elevation as the high elevation angle, forexample.

The timekeeping device according to another aspect of the invention alsohas a reception level detection unit that detects a reception level ofthe satellite signal received from a positioning information satellite,and a storage unit that stores the reception level detected by thereception level detection unit. The evaluation unit determines if thereception level stored in the storage unit during the previous receptionprocess is greater than or equal to a predetermined level, and thesearch mode selection unit selects the single satellite search mode ifthe evaluation unit determines that the reception level during theprevious reception process is greater than or equal to the predeterminedlevel, and selects the plural satellite search mode if the receptionlevel is less than the predetermined level.

This aspect of the invention operates in the single satellite searchmode when the previous reception level is greater than or equal to apredetermined level (such as −133 dBm), and operates in the pluralsatellite search mode when the previous reception level is less than thethreshold level.

Whether the reception process is started automatically or manually, thereception environment is generally the same each time reception starts.For example, when the reception process runs at a fixed time every day,the reception environment is usually the same. When the receptionprocess is started manually, the user is typically outside and thereception environment is therefore again often the same.

Therefore, if the previous reception level was high, there is a strongpossibility that the reception level will be high and the receptionenvironment is good the next time the reception process runs. If theprevious reception level was low, there is a strong possibility that thereception level will be low and the reception environment poor the nexttime the reception process runs. Whether the reception environment isgood or not can therefore be easily determined before the receptionprocess executes based on the previous reception level.

The timekeeping device according to another aspect of the invention alsohas a reception time measuring unit that measures the reception timefrom when a satellite signal from a positioning information satellite isreceived until the time information is acquired, and a storage unit thatstores the reception time measured by the reception time measuring unit.The evaluation unit determines if the reception time during the previousreception process stored in the storage unit is less than or equal to apredetermined level, and the search mode selection unit selects thesingle satellite search mode if the evaluation unit determines that thereception time during the previous reception process is less than orequal to the predetermined level, and selects the plural satellitesearch mode if the reception level is longer than the predeterminedlevel.

In this aspect of the invention if the previous reception processingtime is less than or equal to the predetermined length (such as 3minutes), operation continues in the single satellite search mode, butoperation goes to the plural satellite search mode if the previousreception time is longer than the predetermined length.

Whether the reception process is started automatically or manually, thereception environment is generally the same each time reception starts.If the reception environment is good, the reception time is also short,and the reception time increases as the reception environmentdeteriorates. Therefore, if the previous reception time was long and thereception environment determined to be not particularly good, thelikelihood that the reception environment will not be good the next timethe reception process starts is high. Likewise, if the previousreception time was short and the reception environment determined to begood, the likelihood that the reception environment will be good thenext time the reception process starts is high. Therefore, whether thereception environment is good or not can be easily determined before thereception process starts based on the previous reception time.

The timekeeping device according to another aspect of the invention alsohas an external operating member that can be operated by a user. In thisaspect of the invention the evaluation unit determines if the externaloperating member was operated to select the single satellite search modeor the plural satellite search mode, and the search mode selection unitselects the single satellite search mode if the evaluation unitdetermines that an operation selecting the single satellite search modewas performed, and selects the plural satellite search mode if anoperation selecting the plural satellite search mode was performed.

When starting reception, the user can usually determine whether thecurrent location is in an environment where signals from the positioninginformation satellites can be easily received, such as a location withclear access to the sky, or is an environment where it is difficult toreceive signals from a positioning information satellite, such as whenbuildings or a roof are in the way.

Therefore, if the user manually selects the search mode based on theuser's evaluation of the reception environment, there is a strongpossibility that the mode matching the reception environment can beselected, the probability is high that the time and week numberinformation can be acquired, the reception time can be shortened, andpower consumption can be reduced.

In another aspect of the invention the search mode selection unitselects the single satellite search mode if the evaluation unitdetermines that neither an operation selecting the single satellitesearch mode or an operation selecting the plural satellite search modewas performed.

If the user starts the reception process but forgets to select thesearch mode, this aspect of the invention can run the reception processin the single satellite search mode that is set as the default. Thisaspect of the invention therefore prevents a drop in usability comparedwith a configuration in which the reception process does not execute ifthe search mode is not selected.

In another aspect of the invention the search mode selection unitselects the plural satellite search mode the first time the timereception process is executed after the timekeeping device power turnson regardless of the result output by the evaluation unit.

Because the time of the timepiece is very likely incorrect when thepower first turns on, it is necessary to reliably receive the timeinformation. Therefore, if the plural satellite search mode is selectedthe first time the time information is received after the power isturned on, the possibility of being able to reliably receive the timeinformation improves and the time of the timekeeping device can be setcorrectly.

Another aspect of the invention is a satellite signal reception methodfor a timekeeping device having a reception unit that captures apositioning information satellite and receives satellite signalstransmitted from the captured positioning information satellite, a timeinformation generating unit that generates time information based on thesatellite signal received by the reception unit, a time display unitthat displays time information, and a reception control unit thatcontrols the reception unit. The satellite signal reception methodincludes a satellite capture step for capturing the positioninginformation satellite; a signal condition detection step for detectingthe signal condition of the positioning information satellite capturedin the satellite capture step; a decoding step for decoding thesatellite signal transmitted from the positioning information satellitecaptured in the satellite capture step; and a reception channel settingstep for setting the reception unit based on the signal conditiondetected in the signal condition detection step to a single satellitemode in which the number of positioning information satellites that canbe simultaneously captured and decoded is 1, or a multi-channel mode inwhich a plural number of positioning information satellites can besimultaneously captured and decoded.

When a positioning information satellite is captured with this aspect ofthe invention, the reception channel setting step sets a singlesatellite mode for capturing a single positioning information satelliteor a multi-channel mode for capturing a plurality of positioninginformation satellites. As a result, a satellite signal can be capturedin a short time, power consumption can be reduced, the effect of thereception environment can be reduced, and the probability of successfulsatellite signal reception can be improved.

As in the timekeeping device described above, this aspect of theinvention can therefore shorten the average reception time and reducepower consumption, and even when the reception environment deterioratescan increase the probability of being able to acquire the time and weeknumber information, reduce the effect of the reception environment, andimprove the probability of successful reception.

Another aspect of the invention is a satellite signal reception methodfor a timekeeping device having a reception unit that captures apositioning information satellite and receives satellite signalstransmitted from the captured positioning information satellite, a timeinformation generating unit that generates time information based on thesatellite signal received by the reception unit, a time display unitthat displays time information, and a reception control unit thatcontrols the reception unit. The satellite signal reception methodincludes an evaluation step that evaluates the reception environment ofthe timekeeping device before the reception process executes; and asearch mode selection step that selects a single satellite search modeor a plural satellite search mode based on the result from theevaluation step when the reception unit runs the reception process. Thesingle satellite search mode is a mode for capturing one positioninginformation satellite and acquiring time information based on thesatellite signal transmitted from the captured positioning informationsatellite, and the plural satellite search mode is a mode for capturinga plurality of positioning information satellites and acquiring timeinformation based on the satellite signal transmitted from one of theplural captured positioning information satellites.

As with the timekeeping device described above, this aspect of theinvention can start reception after selecting the search mode, and cantherefore receive a satellite signal in a short time after receptionstarts and can reduce power consumption. In addition, because the searchmode is selected based on evaluating the reception environment, thesatellite signal can be received in a short time, power consumption canbe reduced, the effect of the reception environment can be reduced, andthe probability of successful reception can be improved.

Therefore, as with the timekeeping device described above, this aspectof the invention can shorten the average reception time and reduce powerconsumption, and even when the reception environment deteriorates canincrease the probability of being able to acquire the time and weeknumber information, reduce the effect of the reception environment, andimprove the probability of successful reception.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a GPS wristwatch according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the circuit design of the GPSwristwatch shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 schematically describes the structure of a GPS satellite signal.

FIG. 4 describes the GPS satellite signal.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the receptioncontrol unit in the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of the reception process in the first embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing the relationship between satellite signalstrength, signal acquisition rate, and signal acquisition time.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of the reception process in the second embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of the reception process in the third embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of the reception process in the fourthembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of the reception process in the fifth embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the receptioncontrol unit in a sixth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart of the reception process in the sixth embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart of the reception process in the seventhembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart of the reception process in the eighthembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart of the reception process in the ninth embodimentof the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below withreference to the accompanying figures.

The embodiments described below are specific preferred embodiments ofthe present invention and certain technically preferred limitations aretherefore also described, but the scope of the present invention is notlimited to these embodiments or limitations unless specifically statedbelow.

Embodiment 1

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a wristwatch with a GPS satellitesignal reception device 1 (referred to below as a GPS wristwatch 1) asan example of a timekeeping device according to the present invention.FIG. 2 shows the main hardware configuration of the GPS wristwatch 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the GPS wristwatch 1 has a time display unitincluding a dial 2 and hands 3. A window is formed in a part of the dial2, and a display 4 such as an LCD panel is located in this window.

The hands 3 include a second hand, minute hand, and hour hand, and aredriven through a wheel train by means of a stepping motor.

The display 4 is typically a LCD unit and is used for displaying thelatitude and longitude, city name, or other location information, aswell as messages.

The GPS wristwatch 1 receives satellite signals from a plurality of GPSsatellites 5 orbiting the Earth on fixed orbits in space, acquiressatellite time information, and can adjust the internally kept timebased on the satellite time information and display the positioninginformation, that is, the current position, on the display 4.

The GPS satellite 5 is an example of a positioning information satelliteused in the invention, and a plurality of GPS satellites 5 are orbitingthe Earth in space. At present there are approximately 30 GPS satellites5 in orbit.

The GPS wristwatch 1 has a crown 6 and buttons 7 and 8 as externaloperating members.

Circuit Design of the GPS Wristwatch

The circuit design of the GPS wristwatch 1 is described next.

As shown in FIG. 2, the GPS wristwatch 1 also has a time display device45, a GPS device 40, and a time adjustment device 44, and functions as acomputer. As shown in FIG. 2, the time display device 45, the GPS device40, and the time adjustment device 44 share some parts.

The configurations shown in FIG. 2 are further described below.

GPS Device

As shown in FIG. 2, the GPS wristwatch 1 has a GPS device 40 thatreceives and processes satellite signals received from a GPS satellite5.

The GPS device 40 includes the GPS antenna 11, a filter (SAW) 31, andthe reception circuit 18. The filter (SAW) 31 is a bandpass filter andin this embodiment of the invention extracts a 1.5-GHz satellite signal.The GPS device 40 thus renders the reception unit of the presentinvention.

The reception circuit 18 processes the satellite signal extracted by thefilter, and includes an RF (radio frequency) unit 27 and baseband unit30.

The RF unit 27 includes a PLL 34, IF filter 35, VCO (voltage controlledoscillator) 41, A/D converter 42, mixer 46, low noise amplifier 47, andIF amplifier 48.

The satellite signal is extracted by the filter 31 and amplified by thelow noise amplifier 47, mixed by the mixer 46 with the signal from theVCO 41, and down-converted to an IF (intermediate frequency) signal.

The IF signal mixed by the mixer 46 passes the IF amplifier 48 and IFfilter 35, and is converted to a digital signal by the A/D converter 42.

The baseband unit 30 also includes a digital signal processor (DSP) 39,a CPU (central processing unit) 36, SRAM (static random access memory)37, and a real-time clock (RTC) 38. A temperature-compensated crystaloscillator (TCXO) 32 and flash memory 33 are also connected to thebaseband unit 30.

The baseband unit 30 then processes the digital signal input from theA/D converter 42 of the RF unit 27 based on a control signal, andprocesses (decodes) the satellite signal to acquire the satellite timeinformation and positioning information.

The clock signal of the PLL 34 is generated by the TCXO 32.

The real-time clock 38 counts up at the reference clock output from theTCXO 32.

Time Adjustment Device

The time adjustment device 44 includes the reception circuit 18, thecontrol unit 20, a drive circuit 43, and a crystal oscillator 202. Thistime adjustment device 44 renders the time information correction unitof the invention.

The control unit 20 includes a storage unit 20A and controls driving theGPS device 40, the hands 3, and the display 4. More specifically, thecontrol unit 20 renders a reception control unit that sends controlsignals to the reception circuit 18 and controls the reception operationof the GPS device 40.

The storage unit 20A stores the time data (satellite time information)and positioning data acquired by the baseband unit 30 of the receptioncircuit 18, and the internal time data.

An oscillation circuit not shown connected to the crystal oscillator 202is also disposed to the control unit 20. The crystal oscillator 202 andoscillation circuit produce a reference signal, and the internal timedata stored in the storage unit 20A is updated according to thisreference signal. The control unit 20 and crystal oscillator 202 thusrender an internal time data generating unit that keeps the internaltime.

Time Display Device

The time display device 45 includes the control unit 20, the storageunit 20A, the drive circuit 43, the crystal oscillator 202, the hands 3,and the display 4.

The drive circuit 43 includes a hand drive circuit that drives astepping motor not shown to drive the hands 3, and a display drivecircuit that drives the display 4.

The internal time data generated by the crystal oscillator 202 andoscillation circuit is stored as the current time in the storage unit20A, and the control unit 20 controls displaying the time by the hands 3and display 4 based on the time data stored in the storage unit 20A.

The control unit 20 calculates the Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) byadding the UTC offset (currently +14 seconds) to the satellite timeinformation acquired by the baseband unit 30. The control unit 20 alsocalculates the current local time used by the GPS wristwatch 1 by addingthe time difference to the UTC stored in the storage unit 20A, andstores the current local time in the storage unit 20A. The control unit20 thus functions as a time information generating unit that generatestime information based on the received satellite signal.

When the time information generated from the received satellite signalis stored in the storage unit 20A and the internal time data is updated,the control unit 20 displays the corrected time information on thedisplay 4 by means of the drive circuit 43.

The control unit 20 also calculates the difference between the currenttime indicated by the hands 3 and the corrected internal time data,drives the stepping motor by means of the drive circuit 43 to move thehands 3 an amount equal to this time difference, and thus controls thehands 3 to display the corrected time.

The GPS wristwatch 1 according to this embodiment of the invention isdriven by power supplied from a rechargeable storage battery 24.

More specifically, a charging coil 22 charges the storage battery 24with power through the charging control circuit 28. The storage battery24 supplies drive power to the time adjustment device 44 and other partsthrough a regulator 29.

The timekeeping mechanism according to this embodiment of the inventiondescribed above is thus an electronic timepiece.

Description of the Navigation Message

The navigation message that is the signal (satellite signal) transmittedfrom each GPS satellite 5 is described next.

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 schematically describe the GPS signal.

As shown in FIG. 6, signals are transmitted from each of the GPSsatellites 5 in units of one frame every 30 seconds. One frame containsfive subframes. Each subframe is 6 seconds long, and contains 10 words(each word is 0.6 second).

The first word in each subframe is a telemetry (TLM) word storing theTLM data, and each TLM word starts with a preamble as shown in FIG. 4.

The TLM word is followed by a handover word HOW storing the HOW(handover) data, and each HOW starts with the time of week (TOW) (alsocalled the Z count) indicating the GPS time information of the GPSsatellite.

The GPS time is the number of seconds since 00:00:00 Sunday night, andis reset to zero at precisely 00:00:00 every Sunday night. The GPS timeis thus information expressing the time since the start of the week inseconds, and the elapsed time is a number expressed in 1.5 second units.This GPS time is also called the Z count or the Z count data, andenables the GPS wristwatch 1 to know the current time.

The word data in subframe 1 shown in FIG. 3 contains words storingsatellite correction data such as week number data (WN) and thesatellite health information (SVhealth)

The same GPS week number identifies the week in which the current GPStime information is expressed.

More specifically, the starting point for the GPS time information is00:00:00 of Jan. 6, 1980 referenced to the Coordinated Universal Time(UTC), and the week that started on this day is week 0. The GPS receivercan therefore get the precise GPS time from the week number and theelapsed time (number of seconds).

The week number is updated once a week.

Once the receiver gets the week number and counts the seconds passedsince the week number was acquired, the current week number of the GPSsatellite 5 can be known from the acquired week number and the elapsedtime without getting the week number data again. As a result, theapproximate current GPS time can be known once the Z count data isacquired. As a result, the GPS device 40 normally acquires only the Zcount data when getting the time information.

The main frame of the navigation message contained in the signal fromthe GPS satellite 5 contains 1500 bits and is transmitted at 50 bps.

The main frame is divided into five subframes of 300 bits each.

One frame is equivalent to 30 seconds. One subframe is thereforeequivalent to 6 seconds. As described above, the TLM word and the Zcount data (TOW) in the HOW word are contained in the first two words ofeach subframe. The Z count data starts from subframe 1, and six secondsof data is contained in each subframe. Subframe 1 to subframe 5therefore contain the TLM word and the Z count (TOW) data in the HOWword. The Z count (TOW) data is therefore the time information for thenext subframe. For example, the Z count data in subframe 1 is the timedata for subframe 2.

As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the navigation message carried in thesatellite signal from the GPS satellite 5 includes the preamble data andthe TOW in the HOW word, and subframe data, including satellitecorrection data such as the week number and satellite health data, theephemeris (detailed orbit information for the transmitting GPS satellite5), almanac (orbit information for all GPS satellites 5), and the UTCdata. More specifically, the subframe data of the navigation message iscarried in subframe 1 to subframe 5, and the data in these fivesubframes render one frame data unit. The subframe data is divided intowords 1 to 10.

The HOW data or Z count data is therefore transmitted at 6-secondintervals, and week number (WN), the ephemeris parameters and thealmanac parameters are transmitted at 30-second intervals.

Because the signals described above are transmitted from the GPSsatellites 5, satellite signal reception as used herein means phasesynchronization with the C/A code in the satellite signal transmittedfrom each GPS satellite 5.

More specifically, the baseband unit 30 must synchronize with the signalfrom the GPS satellite 5 in order to get the frame data from aparticular GPS satellite 5.

The C/A code is used for synchronization with 1 ms precision, and is a1023-chip pseudo random noise code that repeats every 1 ms. The C/A code(1023 chip (1 ms) code) is different for each of the plural GPSsatellites 5, and is unique to a particular satellite.

Therefore, to receive the satellite signal from a particular GPSsatellite 5, the GPS device 40 generates the unique C/A code for aparticular GPS satellite 5 and phase synchronizes with the C/A code fromthe selected GPS satellite 5 to receive the satellite signal.

By synchronizing with the C/A code (1023 chips (1 ms)), the preamble ofthe TLM word and the HOW word of each subframe can be received, and theZ count data (time information) can be acquired from the HOW word.

The positioning information can be acquired by reading the ephemerisparameters in the satellite signals from three to four satellites. Theephemeris data can be acquired by receiving 600 bits or approximately 12seconds from the preamble of subframe 2, which is transmitted every 30seconds.

The navigation message that is the satellite signal from the GPSsatellites 5 is configured as described above.

The system configuration of the reception control unit 50 according tothe invention is described next with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 showsthe function blocks rendered by primarily the control unit 20 executinga program.

More specifically, the reception control unit 50 includes a satellitecapture control unit 51, a signal state detection unit 52, a decodingcontrol unit 53, and a reception channel setting unit 54.

Time Information Reception Process

The reception operation of the GPS wristwatch 1 according to thisembodiment of the invention is described next with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 6.

The time information reception process shown in FIG. 6 is executed wheninitiated manually by the user and when a preset reception time arrives.This preset reception time is, for example, 2:00 or 3:00 a.m. or 7:00 or8:00 a.m.

Setting the reception time to 2:00 or 3:00 a.m. is effective because thelikelihood is high that the GPS wristwatch 1 has been taken off by theuser and has been left stationary indoors on a table beside the window,for example, electrical appliance use is minimal and there is littlenoise, and the signal reception environment is good.

Setting the reception time to 7:00 or 8:00 a.m. is also effectivebecause this is the typical time for commuting to work or school, andthe likelihood is high that the user wearing the GPS wristwatch 1 willbe outdoors sometime during this period. The invention is not limited tothese times, however, and the automatic reception time could be set bythe user.

When the time information reception process starts, the satellitecapture control unit 51 of the reception control unit 50 sets thereception mode of the GPS device 40, that is, the reception unit, to asingle satellite mode (1-channel mode) limiting the number of capturedGPS satellites 5 to one, and then starts receiving the satellite signaltransmitted from the GPS satellite 5 (S11). More specifically, thesatellite capture control unit 51 controls the GPS device 40 to generatethe C/A code pattern of the GPS satellite 5 as described below and startreception in order to receive the GPS signal, that is, the satellitesignal, from the GPS antenna 11. The baseband unit 30 then determinesthe correlation between the C/A code and the received satellite signalto find a GPS satellite 5 with which reception can be synchronized.

The satellite capture control unit 51 then determines if the GPSsatellite 5 was captured or not (S12). If in step S12 it is determinedthat the satellite could not be captured, the satellite capture controlunit 51 determines if the satellite capture time (search time) isgreater than or equal to a preset time (search timeout determinationtime), that is, if the search timed out (S13).

The satellite capture control unit 51 determines if operation timed outas described below.

It takes several hundred milliseconds to complete the capture processfor one satellite. If the GPS wristwatch 1 has not previously run thesatellite capture process and acquired orbit information (almanac data)for all of the satellites, that is, if the GPS wristwatch 1 is operatingfrom a cold start, the GPS wristwatch 1 searches for any GPS satellite 5it can find. Even if searching starts from GPS satellite 5 No. 1 and asatellite is not captured until GPS satellite 5 No. 30, that is,capturing a satellite takes the longest time, a satellite can becaptured in approximately 2 seconds. Therefore, if a satellite cannot becaptured by the time the predetermined search timeout time has passed(such as 3 seconds) after reception starts, the satellite capturecontrol unit 51 determines that operation timed out in step S13.

If operation has timed out in step S13, the satellite capture controlunit 51 stops the GPS reception process in the GPS device 40 (S14). Thesatellite capture control unit 51 then indicates on the display 4, forexample, that reception failed, and the control unit 20 moves the hands3 based on the currently stored internal time to display the internaltime (S15).

If it was determined that a satellite was captured in step S12, thesignal state detection unit 52 determines if the reception level (signalstrength) of the captured GPS satellite 5 is greater than or equal to apredetermined value (such as −137 dBm) (S16).

If the reception level is greater than or equal to the predeterminedthreshold level in step S16, the satellite capture control unit 51 endsthe satellite search process by the GPS device 40, and the decodingcontrol unit 53 continues with the process decoding the navigation datareceived from the captured GPS satellite 5 in the single satellite mode(S17).

If in step S16 the reception level is less than the predetermined level,the reception channel setting unit 54 sets the reception mode to themulti-channel mode for capturing a plurality of GPS satellites 5 inparallel, and the satellite capture control unit 51 continues thesatellite search process in the multi-channel mode (S18). In thisembodiment of the invention the reception channel setting unit 54 setsan 8-channel mode in which navigation data can be receivedsimultaneously from eight different GPS satellites 5.

The satellite capture control unit 51 and signal state detection unit 52then determine if the reception level of the GPS satellite 5 capturednext is greater than or equal to a predetermined level, or if apredetermined number (such as 3) GPS satellites 5 have been capturedeven though the reception level is less than the predetermined level(S19).

If S19 returns Yes, that is, the reception level of the captured GPSsatellite 5 is greater than or equal to the predetermined level or if apredetermined number (such as 4 to 8) GPS satellites 5 with a receptionlevel less than the predetermined threshold level were captured, thesatellite capture control unit 51 ends the satellite search process andthe decoding control unit 53 continues with the process decoding thenavigation data received from the captured GPS satellite or satellites 5in the multi-channel mode (S17).

If step S19 returns No because a satellite could not be captured, orbecause a satellite was captured but the reception level is less thanthe predetermined threshold level and the number of captured satellitesis less than the predetermined number (such as 3), the decoding controlunit 53 determines if the time information could be decoded from thesignal received from the captured GPS satellite 5 (S20).

More specifically, when the multi-channel mode is set, a plurality ofGPS satellites 5 can be captured and the navigation data decodingprocess can be applied in parallel to each of the received signals.Therefore, while the satellite search process continues, the navigationdata can be decoded from the captured satellite signal on the channel onwhich a GPS satellite 5 was already captured, and the time informationand week number may be acquired from the navigation data received fromone of the GPS satellites 5 before the predetermined number of GPSsatellites 5 is captured. The decoding control unit 53 thereforeconfirms in step S20 if the time and week number information werereceived while the satellite search process continues.

If step S20 returns No, the satellite capture control unit 51 determinesif a predetermined time (multi-search timeout determination time) haspassed (S21). If the satellite search process is set to themulti-channel mode, step S21 sets the multi-search time-outdetermination time based on the time required to search for all of theGPS satellites 5. The multi-search time-out determination time of themulti-channel mode used in step S21 may therefore be set to the sametime as the search time-out determination time of the single satellitemode in S13, or it may be set to a shorter time if the search iscompleted in a shorter time in the multi-channel mode.

If step S21 returns No, control returns to step S19 and the satellitecapture control unit 51 continues the satellite search process anddetermines if a satellite can be captured.

If step S21 determines that operation timed out, the satellite capturecontrol unit 51 stops the GPS reception process (S22) and indicates onthe display 4, for example, that reception failed, and the control unit20 moves the hands 3 based on the currently stored internal time anddisplays the internal time.

In step S24 the decoding control unit 53 determines if the time and weeknumber values could be acquired after decoding the navigation data instep S17.

In steps S20 and S24 the decoding control unit 53 normally determines ifthe Z count data and week number (WN) data could be acquired, that is,if the time and week number could be acquired. However, if it is notnecessary to acquire the week number (WN) data because less than oneweek has passed since the last time the week number (WN) data wasacquired, whether the Z count data was acquired may be determined in S20and S24.

If it is determined in step S24 that the time and week number could notbe acquired, the decoding control unit 53 determines if the navigationdata decoding time has reached the time-out limit (S25). Morespecifically, the decoding control unit 53 determines that the receptioncondition is poor if the time and week number cannot be acquired by thetime the predetermined time (decoding time-out determination time)passes after the start of the navigation data decoding process.

This decoding time-out determination time may be set to approximately 12to 24 seconds if only the Z count, which is transmitted every 6 seconds,is acquired. If the time information is acquired through the weeknumber, which is transmitted every 30 seconds, the decoding time-outdetermination time may be set to approximately 60 to 120 seconds.

If operation has not timed out in S25, the decoding control unit 53continues determining if the time and week number have been acquired(S24).

If operation has timed out in S25, the decoding control unit 53 stopsthe GPS reception process (S14) and indicates on the display 4, forexample, that reception failed, and the control unit 20 moves the hands3 based on the currently stored internal time to display the internaltime (S15).

If it is determined in S24 that the time and week number informationwere acquired, the decoding control unit 53 stops the GPS receptionprocess (S26) and indicates on the display 4, for example, thatreception succeeded, and the control unit 20 moves the hands 3 based onthe acquired time information to correct the time displayed by the hands3 (S27).

This embodiment of the invention starts the satellite capture process(satellite search process) in the single satellite mode, and continuesin the single satellite mode to decode the navigation data sent from thesingle captured GPS satellite 5 if the reception level is greater thanor equal to a predetermined level.

If the reception level is less than this predetermined level, however,operation switches to the multi-channel mode, and if the predeterminednumber of satellites are captured or if a satellite with a receptionlevel greater than or equal to the predetermined level is captured, thenavigation data transmitted from the captured GPS satellite 5 isdecoded.

Test Data

FIG. 7 is a graph of test data showing the relationship between theacquisition rate and the time required to acquire the time information(Z count data and week number (WN) data) in the single satellite modeand the multi-channel mode.

As shown in FIG. 7 the Z count data acquisition time decreases as thereception level increases, and is less than approximately 10-20 secondsin both modes if the reception level is greater than or equal to −137dBm.

However, the Z count data acquisition time increases as the receptionlevel decreases, and if the reception level is less than or equal to−139 dBm, approximately 40-70 seconds is required in both modes and stepS23 therefore returns a time out.

That the Z count data acquisition time becomes shorter as the receptionlevel rises is true in both modes. However, the acquisition rate exceeds80% in the single satellite mode (1-channel mode) when the receptionlevel is −135 dBm or greater, and the acquisition rate dropsproportionally to the reception level when the reception level goes to−135 dBm or less. In the multi-channel mode, however, the acquisitionrate goes to 80% or more when the reception level is −140 dBm orgreater, and a high acquisition rate can be sustained at a lowerreception level.

If current consumption in the reception process is a value of 1 in thesingle satellite mode, current consumption goes to approximately 1.5 to3.0 in the multi-channel mode. Note that this current consumption isapproximately 1.5 in reception environments where there is clear accessto the sky overhead, and is approximately 3.0 when the receptionenvironment is poor, such as when indoors.

EFFECT OF THE INVENTION

The effect of this embodiment of the invention is described next.

(1) The GPS wristwatch 1 starts the satellite search process in thesingle satellite mode and decodes the navigation data in the singlesatellite mode if the reception level (signal strength) is greater thanor equal to a predetermined threshold level. If the reception level isless than the predetermined threshold level, operation switches to themulti-channel mode to decode the navigation data, thereby reducing theeffect of the reception environment, improving the probability of beingable to acquire the time and week number information, and reducing powerconsumption.

More specifically, if the reception process operates only in the singlesatellite mode, the time and week number information can be acquired ina short time and power consumption can be reduced if the receptionenvironment is good and the reception level is high. However, if thereception environment deteriorates and the reception level drops, thetime and week information acquisition rate also drops, the satellitesearch process and navigation data decoding process must be repeated,and the reception time therefore becomes longer and power consumptionrises.

However, if the reception process operates only in the multi-channelmode, the time and week number acquisition rate can be increased even ifthe reception environment deteriorates and the reception level is low.The reception time can therefore be shortened and power consumption canbe reduced compared with the single satellite mode. However, when thereception environment is good, power consumption is greater than in thesingle satellite mode.

By using a reception channel setting unit 54 to select the singlesatellite mode or multi-channel mode based on the reception level, thisaspect of the invention can shorten the average reception time, reducepower consumption, and increase the probability of acquiring the timeand week number even in a poor reception environment. This aspect of theinvention can thus reduce the limitations on where the satellite signalis received and improve user convenience.

(2) When searching for satellites in the multi-channel mode, whether thetime and week number information was acquired is determined in step S20even if the conditions in step S19 are not true (step S19 returns No).As a result, if the time and week number were acquired in step S20, theGPS reception process can be stopped (S26), the average time and weeknumber acquisition time can be shortened in the multi-channel mode, andpower consumption can also be reduced.

(3) Because the GPS wristwatch 1 according to this embodiment of theinvention is used worn by the user, the reception environment can changeeasily compared with timepieces such as clocks that are used at astationary location inside a building, particularly in the city withtall buildings that can easily block signals from the GPS satellites 5and when the user is walking where receiving signals from a GPSsatellite 5 can be difficult.

However, because the GPS wristwatch 1 according to this embodiment ofthe invention switches from the single satellite mode to themulti-channel mode when the reception environment deteriorates, the timeand week number can be acquired in a short time and power consumptioncan be reduced. The GPS wristwatch 1 according to this embodiment of theinvention is thus particularly suited to a portable timepiece such as awristwatch or a pocket watch.

Embodiment 2

A second embodiment of the invention is described next. Note that ineach of the embodiments described below parts that are the same orsimilar to like parts in another embodiment are identified by the samereference numerals, and further description thereof is omitted orsimplified.

As shown in the flow chart in FIG. 8, the second embodiment differs fromthe first embodiment in that the time-out determination time of thedecoding process is set according to the reception level, and if thedecoding process times out in the single satellite mode, the receptionchannel setting unit 54 changes to the multi-channel mode withoutstopping GPS signal reception. Other aspects of the processing methodand circuit configuration of this embodiment are the same as in thefirst embodiment.

The operation of this second embodiment is described below withreference to the flow chart in FIG. 2, focusing on the differencesbetween this and the first embodiment described above.

Steps S11 to S27 in FIG. 8 are the same as in the first embodiment, andfurther description thereof is thus omitted.

However, if the reception level is greater than or equal to thepredetermined threshold level in step S16 in the first embodiment, thesatellite search is aborted and the navigation data decoding processcontinues in step S17.

In this second embodiment, however, the time used to determine if thedecoding process times out (the decoding time-out determination time) isset in step S31 before proceeding to step S17.

The decoding time-out determination time is set according to thereception level in step S31. For example, step S16 is set to return Yesif the reception is greater than or equal to −137 dBm.

In this example the decoding time-out determination time when only the Zcount data is acquired is set in S31 to 24 seconds if the receptionlevel is greater than or equal to −137 dBm or is less than or equal to−133 dBm, and is set to 12 seconds if the reception level is greaterthan −133 dBm.

If information through the week number is acquired, the decodingtime-out determination time is set to 120 seconds if the reception levelis greater than or equal to −137 dBm or is less than or equal to −133dBm, and is set to 60 seconds if the reception level is greater than−133 dBm.

The decoding control unit 53 then uses the decoding time-outdetermination time set in step S31 for determining in S25 if decodingtimed out. If decoding time out in S25, the reception channel settingunit 54 switches to the multi-channel mode and continues the satellitesearch process (S18).

If a plurality of GPS satellites 5 have been captured in S19, a decodingtime-out determination time may be set in step S31 for each individualchannel, that is, for each GPS satellite 5. This enables appropriatelydetecting if decoding timed out based on the signal strength of each GPSsatellite 5.

Furthermore, if the time and week number was successfully acquired fromat least one of the plural captured GPS satellites 5, step S24 returnsYes. This is because the time of the GPS wristwatch 1 can be correctedif the time and week number are acquired from at least one satellite.

Effect of the Second Embodiment

The second embodiment of the invention also achieves the effects (1) to(3) of the first embodiment described above.

(4) In addition, by setting the decoding time-out determination timeaccording to the reception level in S31, whether the time and weeknumber information can be received can be determined more accurately andquickly. More specifically, when the reception level is high, the timeand week number information can be received in a short time as shown inFIG. 7, and the decoding time-out determination time can therefore alsobe set in a short time. If decoding times out, it can be quicklydetermined that the time and week number information cannot be receivedfrom the captured GPS satellite 5. The time spent on needless receptionprocesses can therefore be shortened, and power consumption can befurther reduced.

(5) Furthermore, because the multi-channel mode is entered in S18 andprocessing continues instead of stopping reception as in the firstembodiment when a time-out is detected in S25, the probability of beingable to receive the time and week number information can be improved andthe usability of the GPS wristwatch 1 can be improved.

More specifically, the signal reception level may be high when thereception level is evaluated in step S16 when the GPS wristwatch 1 isworn by a user walking around outdoors, but it may not be possible toacquire the time and week number information when the navigation data isdecoded because the signal strength may have dropped as a result of thesignal from the GPS satellite 5 being blocked by a building as the usercontinues moving. This second embodiment of the invention avoids thisproblem by entering the multi-channel mode in such situations to searchfor a plurality of GPS satellites 5 and decode the navigation data,thereby improving the possibility that the time and week numberinformation can be acquired, improving the probability that the internaltime can be corrected to the correct time, and improving userconvenience.

Embodiment 3

A third embodiment of the invention is described next.

As shown in the flow chart in FIG. 9, the third embodiment of theinvention differs from the first embodiment in that it determines if therange of variation in the reception level per unit time is within apredetermined range (S41) and goes to the multi-channel mode if thispredetermined range is exceeded. Other aspects of the operation andconfiguration of this embodiment are the same as in the firstembodiment.

The operation of this third embodiment is described next with referenceto the flow chart in FIG. 9, focusing on the differences between thisembodiment and the first embodiment.

Steps S11 to S27 in FIG. 9 are the same as in the first embodiment, andfurther description thereof is thus omitted.

In this third embodiment of the invention, the signal state detectionunit 52 determines if the range of variation in the reception level perunit time is within a predetermined range (S41). In step S41 the signalstate detection unit 52 determines, for example, if the variation in thereception level per second is ±3 dBm.

If variation in the reception level is greater than or equal to thepredetermined range in S41, the reception channel setting unit 54switches to the multi-channel mode and processing proceeds (S18).

If a plurality of GPS satellites 5 have been captured in step S19, stepS41 returns No only if the variation in the reception level was greaterthan the predetermined range for all of the captured GPS satellites 5,and returns Yes if the variation in the reception level was within thepredetermined range for at least one of the satellites. Because thepossibility of being able to acquire the time and week numberinformation is high if there is at least one GPS satellite 5 with littlevariation in the reception level, the time and week number informationcan be acquired in less time than if the satellite search process isrepeated in step S18, and power consumption can be further reducedaccordingly.

Effect of the Third Embodiment

The third embodiment of the invention also achieves the effects (1) to(3) of the first embodiment described above.

(6) In addition, because the range of variation in the reception levelper unit time is determined in step S41, it can be determined thatacquiring the time and week number information is difficult withoutwaiting for decoding to time out when the captured GPS satellite 5becomes hidden by a building and the strength of the reception signaldrops. Because operation switches to the multi-channel mode in step S18if step S41 returns No, the probability of being able to receive thetime and week number information can be improved and the convenience ofthe GPS wristwatch 1 can also be improved.

Embodiment 4

A fourth embodiment of the invention is described next.

As shown in the flow chart in FIG. 10, the fourth embodiment of theinvention differs from the first embodiment in that it sets the numberof satellites to capture in the multi-channel mode according to thesignal reception level when the reception level is less than apredetermined value (S51). Other aspects of the operation andconfiguration of this embodiment are the same as in the firstembodiment.

The operation of this fourth embodiment is described next with referenceto the flow chart in FIG. 10, focusing on the differences between thisembodiment and the first embodiment.

Steps S11 to S27 in FIG. 10 are the same as in the first embodiment, andfurther description thereof is thus omitted.

If the reception level is determined in step S16 to be less than thepredetermined level (such as less than −133 dBm), the reception channelsetting unit 54 in this fourth embodiment of the invention sets thenumber of satellites to capture (referred to as the “satellite capturecount” below) in step S51.

If the reception level is less than −133 dBm and is greater than orequal to −137 dBm, for example, the reception channel setting unit 54sets the satellite capture count to the number of capturable satellitesdivided by 2, for example, in step S51. For example, if the receptioncircuit has 8 channels, the number of capturable satellites is 8, andthe satellite capture count is therefore set to 8/2=4.

However, if the reception level is less than −137 dBm, it is preferableto capture a greater number of GPS satellites 5, and the receptionchannel setting unit 54 therefore sets the satellite capture count tothe maximum number of capturable satellites. For example, if thereception circuit has 8 channels, the maximum number of capturablesatellites is 8, and the satellite capture count is therefore also setto 8.

Then in step S19 the satellite capture control unit 51 determines if thenumber of captured GPS satellites 5 equals the number set in step S51.

Effect of the Fourth Embodiment

The fourth embodiment of the invention also achieves the effects (1) to(3) of the first embodiment described above.

(7) In addition, because the satellite capture count is set in step S51,the average time required to capture the set number of GPS satellites 5can be shortened, power consumption can therefore be reduced, and theprobability of being able to acquire the time and week numberinformation can be improved.

More specifically, if the signal reception level of the GPS satellite 5captured in the single satellite mode is less than the predeterminedlevel but is a reasonably high level in step S16, the probability ofbeing able to acquire the time and week number information can beimproved even if the satellite capture count is reduced in themulti-channel mode. In addition, by reducing the satellite capturecount, the reception process can be shortened and power consumption canbe reduced compared with capturing the maximum number of satellites thatcan be captured.

Furthermore, the probability of being able to acquire the time and weeknumber information can be improved when the reception level of the GPSsatellite 5 captured in the single satellite mode is low because thesatellite capture count used in the multi-channel mode is increased.

It is therefore possible to improve the probability of being able toacquire the time and week number information and also reduce powerconsumption by setting the satellite capture count in the multi-channelmode based on the signal reception level.

Embodiment 5

A fifth embodiment of the invention is described next.

As shown in the flow chart in FIG. 11, the fifth embodiment of theinvention differs from the first embodiment in that it sets the searchfrequency when the reception level is less than the predetermined level,and searches for GPS satellites 5 at the set frequency. Other aspects ofthe operation and configuration of this embodiment are the same as inthe first embodiment.

The operation of this fifth embodiment is described next with referenceto the flow chart in FIG. 11, focusing on the differences between thisembodiment and the first embodiment.

Steps S11 to S27 in FIG. 11 are the same as in the first embodiment, andfurther description thereof is thus omitted.

If the reception level is determined in step S16 to be less than thepredetermined level (such as less than −133 dBm), the satellite capturecontrol unit 51 in this fifth embodiment of the invention sets thesearch frequency in step S61.

In step S61 the GPS satellite 5 search is set to three frequency rangesreferenced to the transmission frequency f0 (1575.42 MHz) of the GPSsatellites 5, specifically, a first frequency range of ±0-1.5 kHz of f0,a second frequency range of ±1.5-3.0 kHz of f0, and a third frequencyrange of ±3.0-4.5 kHz of f0.

The frequency (transmission frequency) of the satellite signalstransmitted from the GPS satellites 5 is the same frequency f0 for allsatellites. However, the reception frequency of the receiver variesaccording to the elevation angle of the GPS satellite 5 to the receiver.This is because the reception frequency varies due to the Dopplereffect.

More specifically, when receiving signals from a GPS satellite 5positioned at the zenith relative to the receiver, the Doppler shift is0 and the difference between the transmission frequency and thereception frequency is 0.

The Doppler shift (frequency difference) increases as the elevationangle decreases, and the difference to the transmission frequencyincreases. As the GPS satellite 5 moves closer to the receiver, theDoppler shift changes to the positive, that is, the direction increasingthe frequency, and as the GPS satellite 5 moves away from the receiverand disappears over the horizon, the Doppler shift changes to thenegative, that is, the direction decreasing the frequency.

GPS satellites 5 at difference elevation angles can therefore becaptured by searching for GPS satellites 5 in a plurality of frequencyranges.

In step S18 the satellite capture control unit 51 then continues thesatellite search process in the multi-channel mode in the threefrequency ranges set in step S61.

GPS satellites 5 at a high elevation angle can therefore be found andcaptured on the channels for which the search process is set to thefirst frequency range.

GPS satellites 5 at a middle elevation angle can also be found andcaptured on the channels for which the search process is set to thesecond frequency range.

GPS satellites 5 at a low elevation angle can also be found and capturedon the channels for which the search process is set to the thirdfrequency range.

If the clock signal for the PLL circuit 34 deviates greatly, a GPSsatellite 5 at a low elevation angle may be captured if the frequency isfixed. However, by searching a plurality of frequency ranges, thisembodiment of the invention can also search for GPS satellites 5 at ahigh elevation angle and a middle elevation angle even if the clocksignal is offset.

Other aspects of the operation of this embodiment are the same as in thefirst embodiment.

Effect of the Fifth Embodiment

The fifth embodiment of the invention also achieves the effects (1) to(3) of the first embodiment described above.

(8) In addition, this embodiment of the invention enables searching forGPS satellites 5 at high, middle, and low elevation angles because thesearch frequency is set to three ranges in step S61. As a result, if aroof blocks access to satellites at the zenith, for example, the timeinformation can be acquired by capturing a GPS satellite 5 located at alower elevation angle. The effect of the reception environment cantherefore be reduced, limitations imposed by the reception location canbe reduced, the probability of successful reception can be improved, andpower consumption can be reduced.

(9) In addition, GPS satellites 5 at a low elevation angle as well asGPS satellites 5 at middle and high elevation angles can be receivedeven if the clock signal of the PLL circuit 34 is offset. As a result,the probability that a satellite can be captured and the timeinformation can be acquired can be improved, and power consumption canbe reduced.

Embodiment 6

A sixth embodiment of the invention is described next.

In this sixth embodiment of the invention the single satellite searchmode (single satellite mode) or the plural satellite search mode(multi-channel mode) is selected before the reception process proceeds.

The hardware configuration of this sixth embodiment of the invention isthe same as the hardware configuration of the GPS wristwatch 1 shown inFIG. 2, and further description thereof is thus omitted.

System Configuration of the Reception Control Unit

The system configuration of the reception control unit 150 in thisembodiment of the invention is described with reference to FIG. 12. FIG.12 shows the function blocks implemented primarily by the control unit20.

More particularly, the reception control unit 150 includes a decisionunit 151 and a search mode selection unit 152.

The decision unit 151 evaluates the reception environment of the GPSwristwatch 1, and in this embodiment of the invention determines if theplural satellite search mode or the single satellite search mode wasselected using an external operating member such as the crown 6 orbutton 7 or 8, or if one of these external operating members wasoperated.

The search mode selection unit 152 sets the search mode used when theGPS device 40 (reception unit) runs the reception process based on theresult supplied from the decision unit 151 to either the singlesatellite search mode or the plural satellite search mode. In the singlesatellite search mode the GPS device 40 captures a single GPS satellite5 and acquires the time information based on the satellite signaltransmitted from that GPS satellite 5. In the plural satellite searchmode the GPS device 40 captures a plurality of GPS satellites 5, andacquires the time information based on the satellite signal transmittedfrom one of the plural captured GPS satellites 5.

Time Information Reception Process

The reception operation of the GPS wristwatch 1 in this embodiment ofthe invention is described next with reference to the flow chart in FIG.13.

The time information reception process shown in FIG. 13 runs whenreception is manually initiated by the user (manual reception process)and at a predetermined reception time (automatic reception process).

This predetermined reception time is typically set to a time such as2:00 or 3:00 a.m., or 7:00 or 8:00 a.m.

Setting the reception time to 2:00 or 3:00 a.m. is effective because thelikelihood is high that the GPS wristwatch 1 is not being used by theuser and is removed from the wrist and left stationary indoors at a timewhen electrical appliance use is minimal and the signal receptionenvironment is best.

Setting the reception time to 7:00 or 8:00 a.m. is also effectivebecause this is the typical time for commuting to work or school, andthe likelihood is high that the user is wearing the GPS wristwatch 1 andthe GPS wristwatch 1 will be outdoors sometime during this period. Moreparticularly, even if the user is inside a building or factory wheresatellite signal reception is poor while at work, the user is likelyoutdoors while commuting, and the likelihood is therefore greater thatthe signal reception environment is good and the satellite signal can bereceived.

The preset reception time is not so limited, however, and the user mayalso set the automatic reception time as desired.

When the time information reception process starts, the decision unit151 of the reception control unit 150 confirms if the user has selecteda search mode (S111). If a search mode was selected, the decision unit151 determines if the plural satellite search mode was selected (S112).

If the decision unit 151 determines in S112 that the plural satellitesearch mode was selected, the search mode selection unit 152 sets theplural satellite search mode and executes the time information receptionprocess (S113).

If the decision unit 151 returns No in S111 because the user has notselected a search mode, and returns No in S112 because the user selectedthe single satellite search mode, the search mode selection unit 152sets the single satellite search mode and executes the time informationreception process (S114).

When the search mode selection unit 152 has set the reception mode ofthe GPS device 40 to the single satellite search mode, the receptioncontrol unit 150 sets the reception channel to one channel and startsreceiving the satellite signal transmitted from the GPS satellite 5(S114).

When the search mode selection unit 152 has set the reception mode ofthe GPS device 40 to the plural satellite search mode, the receptioncontrol unit 150 sets the reception channel to plural channels, such aseight channels, and starts receiving the satellite signals transmittedfrom the GPS satellites 5 (S113).

The reception processes executed in S113 and S114 are described furtherbelow.

The reception control unit 150 controls the GPS device 40 to generatethe C/A code pattern of the GPS satellite 5 and start reception in orderto receive the GPS signal, that is, the satellite signal, from the GPSantenna 11. The baseband unit 30 then determines the correlation betweenthe C/A code and the received satellite signal to find a GPS satellite 5with which reception can be synchronized.

The reception control unit 150 then determines if the GPS satellite 5was captured or not (S115). If in step S115 it is determined that thesatellite could not be captured, the reception control unit 150determines if the satellite capture time (search time) is greater thanor equal to a preset time (search timeout determination time), that is,if the search timed out (S116).

The reception control unit 150 determines if the search timed out asdescribed below.

It takes several hundred milliseconds to complete the capture processfor one satellite. If the GPS wristwatch 1 has not previously run thesatellite capture process and acquired orbit information (almanac data)for all of the satellites, that is, if the GPS wristwatch 1 is operatingfrom a cold start, the GPS wristwatch 1 searches for any GPS satellite 5it can find. Even if searching starts from GPS satellite 5 No. 1 and asatellite is not captured until GPS satellite 5 No. 30, that is,capturing a satellite takes the longest time, a satellite can becaptured in approximately 2 seconds. Therefore, if a satellite cannot becaptured by the time the predetermined search timeout time has passed(such as 3 seconds) after reception starts, the reception control unit150 determines that operation timed out in step S116.

If operation has timed out in step S116, the reception control unit 150stops the GPS reception process in the GPS device 40 (S117). Thereception control unit 150 then indicates on the display 4, for example,that reception failed, and the control unit 20 moves the hands 3 basedon the currently stored internal time to display the internal time(S118).

If it is determined in S115 that a satellite was captured, the receptioncontrol unit 150 decodes the satellite signal received from the capturedGPS satellite 5 and determines if the time and week number informationwas acquired (S119).

In S119 the reception control unit 150 normally determines if the Zcount data and week number (WN) data could be acquired, that is, if thetime and week number information could be acquired. However, if it isnot necessary to acquire the week number (WN) data because less than oneweek has passed since the last time the week number (WN) data wasacquired, whether the Z count data was acquired may be determined inS119.

If it is determined in step S119 that the time and week number could notbe acquired, the reception control unit 150 determines if the navigationdata decoding time has reached the time-out limit (S120). Morespecifically, the reception control unit 150 determines that thereception condition is poor if the time and week number cannot beacquired by the time the predetermined time (decoding time-outdetermination time) passes after the start of the navigation datadecoding process.

This decoding time-out determination time may be set to approximately 12to 24 seconds if only the Z count, which is transmitted every 6 seconds,is acquired. If the time information is acquired through the weeknumber, which is transmitted every 30 seconds, the decoding time-outdetermination time may be set to approximately 60 to 120 seconds.

If operation has not timed out in S120, the reception control unit 150continues determining if the time and week number have been acquired(S119).

If operation has timed out in S120, the reception control unit 150 stopsthe GPS reception process (S117) and indicates on the display 4, forexample, that reception failed, and the control unit 20 moves the hands3 based on the currently stored internal time to display the internaltime (S118).

If it is determined in S119 that the time and week number informationwere acquired, the reception control unit 150 stops the GPS receptionprocess (S121) and indicates on the display 4, for example, thatreception succeeded, and the control unit 20 moves the hands 3 based onthe acquired time information to correct the time displayed by the hands3 (S122).

This embodiment of the invention executes the plural satellite searchmode S113 only when the user has manually selected the plural satellitesearch mode, and otherwise executes the single satellite search modeS114.

Effect of the Sixth Embodiment of the Invention

The effect of this embodiment of the invention is described next. (10)The GPS wristwatch 1 selects either the single satellite search mode orplural satellite search mode based on a user selection and then executesthe reception process. As a result, if the user determines that thereception environment is good and the reception level is high becausethe user is outside, for example, and selects the single satellitesearch mode, the time and week number information can be acquired in ashort time and power consumption can be reduced.

However, if the user decides that the reception environment is poor,such as when receiving signals while indoors or walking around outside,and selects the plural satellite search mode, signals can be receivedand decoded from the captured satellite with the highest receptionlevel. The probability of being able to acquire the time and week numberinformation can therefore be improved comparing with receiving in thesingle satellite search mode when the reception environment is poor, thereception time can be shortened compared with the single satellitesearch mode, and power consumption can be reduced.

Therefore, because the user evaluates the reception conditions andselects either the single satellite search mode or plural satellitesearch mode according to the reception environment before receptionstarts in this embodiment of the invention, the average reception timecan be shortened, power consumption can be reduced, the probability ofbeing able to acquire the time and week number information can beimproved even when the reception environment deteriorates, there arefewer limitations on the reception location, and user convenience can beimproved.

If the reception process is run only in the single satellite searchmode, the time and week number information can be acquired in a shorttime and power consumption can be reduced when the reception environmentis good and the reception level is high. However, when the receptionenvironment deteriorates and the reception level drops, the probabilityof being able to acquire the time and week number information alsodrops, the satellite search process and navigation data decoding processmust be repeated, the reception time therefore becomes longer and powerconsumption increases.

On the other hand, if the reception process runs only in the pluralsatellite search mode (multi-channel mode), the probability of beingable to acquire the time and week number information can be improvedeven when the reception environment deteriorates and the reception levelis low, and the reception time can be shortened and power consumptioncan be reduced compared with the single satellite search mode. However,when the reception environment is good, power consumption increasescompared with the single satellite search mode.

However, by using the decision unit 151 and search mode selection unit152 to select the single satellite search mode or plural satellitesearch mode according to the reception level, this embodiment of theinvention can shorten the average reception time, reduce powerconsumption, increase the probability of being able to acquire the timeand week number information when the reception environment is poor,reduce the limitations on the reception location, and improve userconvenience.

(11) Before the reception process is executed in this embodiment of theinvention, the decision unit 151 evaluates the reception environment,and based on this result the search mode selection unit 152 selects thesingle satellite search mode or plural satellite search mode.

Compared with actually starting the reception process and thendynamically selecting the search mode based on the reception conditions,this embodiment of the invention statically selects the search modebefore reception starts, thereby enabling receiving the satellite signalin a short time after reception starts and also reducing powerconsumption.

(12) Because if the satellite capture process has timed out or not isdetermined in S116, needlessly continuing the reception process can beprevented when the reception environment is particularly poor and no GPSsatellite 5 can be captured, and a system shutdown caused by a drop inthe battery voltage due to increased power consumption can be prevented.

In addition, because step S120 determines whether the decoding processhas timed out, needlessly continuing the reception and decoding processcan be prevented when the reception level is low and the correct timeinformation cannot be acquired. This also prevents a system shutdowncaused by a drop in the battery voltage due to increased powerconsumption.

(13) Because the GPS wristwatch 1 according to this embodiment of theinvention is used worn by the user, the reception environment can changeeasily compared with timepieces such as clocks that are used at astationary location inside a building, particularly in the city withtall buildings that can easily block signals from the GPS satellites 5and when the user is walking where receiving signals from a GPSsatellite 5 can be difficult.

However, because the user selects the single satellite search mode orplural satellite search mode in the GPS wristwatch 1 according to thisembodiment of the invention, the time and week number can be acquired ina short time and power consumption can be reduced. The GPS wristwatch 1according to this embodiment of the invention is thus particularlysuited to a portable timepiece such as a wristwatch or a pocket watch.

(14) Furthermore, this embodiment of the invention selects the singlesatellite search mode set as the default setting when the user does notspecifically select the search mode. Therefore, because the receptionprocess runs in the default single satellite search mode if the userforgets to select the search mode when starting reception, usability isnot impaired compared with an arrangement in which the reception processdoes not run if the user does not expressly select the search mode.

Embodiment 7

A seventh embodiment of the invention is described next.

As shown in the flow chart in FIG. 14, this seventh embodiment of theinvention executes a light detection process to measure the amount oflight incident to the GPS wristwatch 1, and selects the single satellitesearch mode or plural satellite search mode based on how much light isdetected.

The GPS wristwatch 1 according to this embodiment of the inventiontherefore also has a light measuring unit (not shown in the figure) formeasuring how much light is incident to the GPS wristwatch 1.

This light measuring unit may use a light sensor that directly measuresthe amount of light, but this embodiment of the invention has a solarcell that converts incident light to electrical power and indirectlymeasures the amount of light from how much power is generated by thesolar cell. The GPS wristwatch 1 according to this embodiment of theinvention thus has a solar cell for charging the storage battery 24, anda power generation detection unit that detects power generation by thesolar cell. This solar cell and power generation detection unit renderthe light measuring unit.

The operation of this seventh embodiment of the invention is describednext with reference to the flow chart in FIG. 14, focusing on thedifferences with the foregoing sixth embodiment.

When GPS signal reception starts in this seventh embodiment of theinvention, the light measuring unit measures the power output from thesolar cell (S121).

The decision unit 151 then determines if the power output is greaterthan or equal to a predetermined level (S122).

More specifically, power output is high when the GPS wristwatch 1 isoutdoors during the day and exposed to sunlight, and power output islower when the GPS wristwatch 1 is exposed to indoor lighting. Whenoutdoors at night, power output is even lower than when exposed toindoor lighting.

Threshold values (predetermined values) for differentiating power outputresulting from exposure to sunlight and power output resulting fromexposure to indoor lighting are therefore set, and if power output isgreater than or equal to this predetermined level, the decision unit 151determines that the GPS wristwatch 1 is outdoors.

For example, the power output equal to a luminance level of 5000 lx(lux) may be set as a first threshold value because the luminance levelwill always be 5000 lx or greater when outdoors during the day whetherit is sunny or cloudy. The ambient light level when indoors usingfluorescent lighting, however, is typically 1000 lx or less. Thethreshold value used to differentiate outdoor and indoor locations basedon the amount of light (luminance) may therefore be set to approximately5000 lx, and if the luminance level is determined indirectly based onpower output, indoor and outdoor locations can be determined by settinga power generation threshold value equivalent to this amount of light.

If the decision unit 151 returns No in S122, the search mode selectionunit 152 selects the plural satellite search mode and then runs the timeinformation reception process (S113).

If the decision unit 151 returns Yes in S122, the search mode selectionunit 152 selects the single satellite search mode and then runs the timeinformation reception process (S114).

Steps S115 to S122 are the same as in the sixth embodiment, and furtherdescription thereof is thus omitted.

Effect of the Seventh Embodiment

The seventh embodiment of the invention also achieves the same effectsas the sixth embodiment described above.

(15) In addition, because the seventh embodiment also has a lightmeasuring unit, the GPS wristwatch 1 can determine if it is outdoors.The GPS wristwatch 1 can therefore automatically determine if thereception environment is good, and can appropriately select the singlesatellite search mode for the reception process.

Furthermore, if the measured amount of light is less than thepredetermined threshold value, the GPS wristwatch 1 can automaticallydetermine that the reception environment is poor, such as being indoors,and can select the plural satellite search mode for the receptionprocess.

This embodiment of the invention can therefore automatically and easilyevaluate the reception environment by measuring the amount of ambientlight. In addition, because the single satellite search mode or pluralsatellite search mode is selected according to the reception conditions,the average reception time can be shortened, power consumption can bereduced, the probability of being able to acquire the time and weeknumber information can be improved even when the reception environmentdeteriorates, there are fewer limitations on the reception location, anduser convenience can be improved.

Embodiment 8

An eighth embodiment of the invention is described next.

The GPS wristwatch 1 according to this eighth embodiment of theinvention stores satellite orbit information (almanac data) in thestorage unit 20A. The satellite orbit information (almanac) is receivedfrom a satellite signal once a week, for example.

As shown in the flow chart in FIG. 15, the decision unit 151 runs aprocess to get the orbit information for GPS satellites 5 from which thesatellite signal can currently be captured based on the current time,location, and satellite orbit information, and detects the elevationangle of each GPS satellite 5 (S131).

The current time can be acquired by reading the time of the internalclock in the GPS wristwatch 1.

The location is the current location acquired by receiving satellitesignals from a plurality of GPS satellites 5 and running a positioninginformation acquisition process to get the current location. Thispositioning information acquisition process is manually started by theuser such as when travelling overseas or to a different time zone.

The decision unit 151 then determines if there is a predetermined numberof GPS satellites 5 at a high elevation angle that is greater than orequal to a predetermined angle (S132). In S132 the decision unit 151determines, for example, if there are at least three GPS satellites 5 atan elevation angle of 60 degrees or more.

If the decision unit 151 returns No in S132, the search mode selectionunit 152 selects the plural satellite search mode and then runs the timeinformation reception process (S113).

If the decision unit 151 returns Yes in S132, the search mode selectionunit 152 selects the single satellite search mode and then runs the timeinformation reception process (S114).

Steps S115 to S122 are the same as in the sixth embodiment, and furtherdescription thereof is thus omitted.

Effect of the Eighth Embodiment

The eighth embodiment of the invention also achieves the same effects asthe sixth embodiment described above.

(16) In addition, because orbit information for all GPS satellites 5(the almanac) is stored in the storage unit 20A, whether there are apredetermined number of GPS satellites 5 at an elevation angle that isgreater than or equal to a predetermined angle from which signals can becurrently received can be determined before reception starts, andwhether the reception environment is good or not can therefore be easilydetermined.

Therefore, because the reception environment can be automaticallyevaluated based on the satellite orbit information, and the singlesatellite search mode or plural satellite search mode can be setaccording to the reception environment, the average reception time canbe shortened, power consumption can be reduced, the probability of beingable to acquire the time and week number information can be improvedeven when the reception environment deteriorates, there are fewerlimitations on the reception location, and user convenience can beimproved.

Embodiment 9

A ninth embodiment of the invention is described next with reference toFIG. 16.

The GPS wristwatch 1 according to this ninth embodiment of the inventionhas a reception level detection unit that detects the satellite signalreception level, and the reception level previously detected by thereception level detection unit is stored in the storage unit 20A.

As shown in the flow chart in FIG. 16, the decision unit 151 gets theprevious reception level from the storage unit 20A before continuingwith the reception process (S141).

The decision unit 151 then determines if the previous reception level isgreater than or equal to a predetermined level (S142), such as whetherthe previous reception level is greater than or equal to −133 dBm.

If the decision unit 151 returns No in S142, the search mode selectionunit 152 selects the plural satellite search mode and then runs the timeinformation reception process (S113).

If the decision unit 151 returns Yes in S142, the search mode selectionunit 152 selects the single satellite search mode and then runs the timeinformation reception process (S114).

Steps S115 to S122 are the same as in the sixth embodiment, and furtherdescription thereof is thus omitted.

Note that the reception level at which the reception control unit 150successfully acquires the time and week number information in S119 isstored in the storage unit 20A (S143).

Effect of the Ninth Embodiment

The ninth embodiment of the invention also achieves the same effects asthe sixth embodiment described above.

(17) In addition, because the previous reception level is stored in thestorage unit 20A and the reception environment is evaluated bydetermining if the previous reception level is greater than or equal toa predetermined level, whether the reception environment is good or notcan be easily determined before reception starts.

Therefore, because the reception environment can be automaticallyevaluated based on the previous reception level and the single satellitesearch mode or plural satellite search mode is selected according to thereception environment, the average reception time can be shortened,power consumption can be reduced, the probability of being able toacquire the time and week number information can be improved even whenthe reception environment deteriorates, there are fewer limitations onthe reception location, and user convenience can be improved.

Other Variations of the Invention

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

For example, the GPS wristwatch 1 may also have a speed detection unitthat detects how fast the GPS wristwatch 1 is moving. An accelerationsensor or other type of speed sensor may be used for this speeddetection unit. If acceleration is measured, for example, the user isdetermined to be walking if the maximum acceleration per unit time whenthe case oscillates on two perpendicular axes is greater than or equalto a threshold value of 0.98 m/s² (0.1 G), and the GPS wristwatch 1 isdetermined to be stationary if acceleration is less than this thresholdvalue. More specifically, when the timepiece is worn on the wrist andthe user is walking or jogging, the maximum acceleration of the case is4.9-9.8 m/s² (0.5-1.0 G). Whether the timepiece is moving or isstationary can therefore be determined from whether the measured maximumacceleration is greater than or equal to this threshold value.

If such a speed detection unit is provided and the detected speed isless than or equal to the predetermined threshold value, the receptionenvironment is likely better than if the detected speed is greater thanthe predetermined value. That is, when a satellite signal is receivedfrom a GPS satellite 5, receiving the satellite signal becomes difficultif the relative positions of the GPS satellite 5 and the GPS wristwatch1 change. Because the reception environment therefore deteriorates ifthe speed at which the GPS wristwatch 1 is moving increases, the pluralsatellite search mode affording higher reception sensitivity is selectedwhen the detected speed is greater than or equal to the predeterminedthreshold value, and the single satellite search mode is selected if thedetected speed is less than the threshold value. As a result, theaverage reception time can be shortened, power consumption can bereduced, the probability of being able to acquire the time and weeknumber information can be improved even when the reception environmentdeteriorates, there are fewer limitations on the reception location, anduser convenience can be improved.

In another aspect of the invention the GPS wristwatch 1 stores how longthe reception process took (the reception time) in the storage unit 20A,and when the reception process starts the decision unit 151 reads theprevious reception time from the storage unit 20A. The single satellitesearch mode is selected if the reception time is less than or equal to apredetermined time (threshold value), and the plural satellite searchmode is selected if the reception time is longer than the predeterminedtime.

The reception environment was good if the previous reception time wasshort, and the possibility that the current reception environment isalso good is high. That is, when the reception process runsautomatically, the next time the reception process runs automatically isnormally at the same time and the reception environment is thereforetypically the same. When reception is triggered automatically, the useralso typically starts reception in the same reception environment.

Therefore, whether the reception process is run automatically or isstarted by the user, the previous reception environment and the currentreception environment are often the same. Therefore, if the previousreception time was short, the likelihood is high that the receptionenvironment will also be good the next time the reception processstarts, and the single satellite search mode can be selected. However,if the previous reception time was long, the likelihood is high that thereception environment will also be poor the next time the receptionprocess starts, and the plural satellite search mode can be selected.

The threshold value for evaluating the reception time may be set to 1minute when receiving only the Z count data, and may be set to 3 minuteswhen also receiving calendar information including the week number. Asdescribed above, because the Z count data can be received at 6-secondintervals, the reception environment can be determined to be poor if thereception time is longer than one minute. Furthermore, because the weeknumber can be received at 30-second intervals, reception may take longerthan one minute even if the reception environment is good depending onwhen reception starts. The threshold value is therefore preferably setlonger than when receiving only the Z count data, and may be set to 3minutes, for example.

The method of evaluating the reception environment may combine variousmethods described in the different embodiments and variations of theinvention described above. For example, evaluation based on detectingthe amount of light and evaluation based on detecting the speed may becombined. In this situation, if the detected amount of light exceeds thethreshold value and the GPS wristwatch 1 is determined to be outdoors,but the detected speed also exceeds the threshold value and the GPSwristwatch 1 is determined to be moving, the reception environment maybe determined to be not be good and the plural satellite search mode maybe selected for reception.

The sixth to ninth embodiments of the invention described above may alsobe configured to always select the plural satellite search mode thefirst time that the time is received after the power is turned onregardless of the result returned by the decision unit 151.

Because the probability is high that the time shown by the timepiecedeviates from the actual time immediately after the power turns on, itis necessary to reliably receive the time information. Therefore, byselecting the plural satellite search mode the first time the time isreceived after the power turns on, the probability of being able toreliably acquire the time information can be improved and the timedisplayed by the GPS wristwatch 1 can be set accurately.

The actual time used as the time-out determination time (the searchtime-out determination time, plural search time-out determination time,and decoding time-out determination time) in each of the foregoingembodiments is not limited to the times described above, and may be setappropriately in each embodiment.

The threshold values used in the foregoing embodiments and variations ofthe invention are also not limited to the specific values describedabove, and may be set to values that enable detecting each of theconditions described above.

A timekeeping device according to the present invention is not limitedto devices that can be incorporated in a GPS wristwatch 1. Thetimekeeping device of the invention may, for example, be incorporated ina cell phone.

The foregoing embodiments are described with reference to a GPSsatellite, but the invention is not limited to GPS satellites and can beused with Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) such as Galileo andGLONASS, and other positioning information satellites that transmitsatellite signals containing time information, including the SBAS andother geostationary or quasi-zenith satellites.

Although the present invention has been described in connection with thepreferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications willbe apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modificationsare to be understood as included within the scope of the presentinvention to the extent that they fall within the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A timekeeping device, comprising: a receptionunit that receives a satellite signal transmitted from a positioninginformation satellite; a time information generating unit that generatestime information based on the received satellite signal; a time displayunit that displays the time information; and a reception control unitthat controls the reception unit; wherein the reception control unitincludes a signal condition detection unit that detects a signalcondition of the received satellite signal, and a reception setting unitthat sets the reception unit to a single satellite mode or amulti-satellite mode based on the detected signal condition.
 2. Thetimekeeping device described in claim 1, wherein the reception settingunit sets the reception unit to the signal satellite mode at a start ofa reception process.
 3. The timekeeping device described in claim 2,wherein the reception setting unit switches to the multi-satellite modewhen a signal strength of the received satellite signal is less than apredetermined threshold.
 4. The timekeeping device described in claim 2,wherein the reception setting unit switches to the multi-satellite modewhen the time information cannot be generated within a time duration. 5.The timekeeping device described in claim 4, wherein the receptionsetting unit sets the time duration based on a signal strength of thereceived satellite signal.
 6. The timekeeping device as described inclaim 1, wherein the reception unit receives a plurality of satellitesignals in the multi-satellite mode, and the reception control unitstops a reception process when the time information generating unitgenerates the time information based on at least one received satellitesignal.
 7. The timekeeping device as described in claim 1, furthercomprising: an internal time information generating unit that generatesinternal time information; and a time information adjusting unit thatadjusts the internal time information based on the time information.